This has to be a first in American politics: a candidate who vows to leave his party, if need be, even before the elections!
According to the NY Post, Simcha Felder, Democratic challenger in the New York State Senate for the 17th Senate District (including parts of Borough Park, Flatbush, Midwood, Kensington and Sunset Park), says he will caucus with the Republicans and vote for Republican Dean Skelos as Senate majority leader.
Felder, whose late father Rabbi Harry Felder was spiritual leader of Beth Aaron Congregation in Borough Park, was adamant on his promise that “I said I would caucus with any party that will allow me to deliver the most to the 17th Senate district and its constituents.”
Republican David Storobin squeaked by Democrat Lew Fidler in a special election to replace former Senator Carl Kruger (D), who was convicted of bribery.
Felder, running against incumbent Republican State Senator David Storobin, is also deputy comptroller for budget and accounting of the City of New York (appointed by Comptroller John Liu).
The Jewish Press has endorsed Simcha Felder for the NY Senate.